# WNBA Teams Skip National Anthem

> WNBA Finals teams skipped national anthem despite league rule requiring players to stand.
- Title: WNBA Teams Skip National Anthem · OutKick | Shortify
- Summary: WNBA Finals teams skipped national anthem despite league rule requiring players to stand. Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skipped national anthem…
- Keywords: wnba, atlanta dream, golden state valkyries, national anthem, wnba finals, chase center, 2026, news, politics, Teams, Skip, National
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/wnba-silent-finals-teams-skip-national-anthem-despite-rule-requiring-players-stand-line
- Author: Dan Zaksheske
- Published: 2026-10-18T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: wnba, atlanta dream, golden state valkyries, national anthem, wnba finals, chase center, 2026, news, politics
## WNBA Finals Teams Skip Anthem
Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left court before national anthem during WNBA Finals Game 1.
## League Rule Requires Players to Stand
WNBA rulebook mandates players, coaches and trainers stand and line up during national anthem.
## Teams Absent for Two Minutes
Both teams skipped anthem for roughly two minutes before returning to court seconds later.
## No Explanation Provided
WNBA and teams have not answered OutKick's questions about anthem absences or game 2 plans.
## Game 2 Scheduled for Monday
WNBA Finals Game 2 set for 8 p.m. et monday at chase center.
## Key takeaway

Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries skipped national anthem during WNBA Finals Game 1, violating league rule but returning seconds later.